Friday, Aug. 19, 2005 | 9:38 a.m.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- City Council members have decided to start work on a resolution of support for a proposed Turtle Mountain tribal casino just south of the city, though the extent of that support is unclear.
Bill Johnson, who represents the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in its casino project, asked city officials Wednesday to take a stand after months of on-and-off discussions. The city's support, he said, is a key in working toward the project.
The casino plan has drawn opposition from other tribes, and questions about how it would affect charitable gambling in the Grand Forks area. Turtle Mountain officials need state and federal approval, which they acknowledge could take a long time.
Grand Forks City Council members said they idea needs more public discussion. They agreed to compromise on a resolution "supporting the idea of a casino in Grand Forks."
The Turtle Mountain tribe currently has a casino on its reservation in Belcourt, near the Canadian border.
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